Through his work as a saxophonist, improviser, bandleader, writer, and producer, Johnny Evans has been a part of the Detroit arts and music community since the late 70’s.

Beginning with a weekly residency at Detroit’s legendary Cobb’s Corner with the II-V-I Orchestra, he went on to perform and tour extensively with popular R&B/Ska band The Urbations as a saxophonist and vocalist. 

Founding popular Detroit rock band the Howling Diablos in 1990, he co-led the band for 25 years. In 2015 Evans joined Kid Rock’s Twisted Brown Trucker Band, and toured with them until 2020.

Evans has performed and recorded with a wide range of artists and styles, including The Temptations, The Four Tops, alt-rock band Sponge, Don Was, Dave McMurray, Luis Resto, Leslie Gore, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, The Butler Twins, Lyman Woodard, poet John Sinclair, and his own free-jazz collective Mirror Mirror.

Currently, Evans can be found performing and recording with several critically acclaimed Detroit bands, including The Firewalkers, The Stomp Rockets, and the Blast Officers.

He continues to celebrate, nurture and believe in the artistic soul of Detroit.